IN THE FIRST INSTALMENT OF OUR SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT SERIES, ONE OT OUR DIRECTORS GARY TALKS ABOUT THE HISTORY OF CABSURANCE, CARRYING ON HIS DAD’S LEGACY AND AN UPDATE ON THE TAXI INSURANCE MARKET.
Hi Gary, thank you for taking part in this interview. Can you start by telling us how long you have worked at Cabsurance and how your role has developed over the years?
Well the business was founded by my dad in 1963, under the name Emrose Insurance Brokers. I joined the company when I was 19 and I have been here ever since – 40 years! When I joined in the 70’s, my dad launched the Cabsurance brand and put my brothers and I in charge of growing the business, which is what we have done. Most people who have worked for the company have stayed with us a long time, but a few have retired over the years.
I have always been focused on business development and expanding our schemes and facilities to ensure we have the best offering for our clients.
40 years is a long time! What has kept you in the industry for so long?
The fact it is our family business. My dad sadly passed away, so my brothers and I are continuing his legacy which makes me very proud. Not many people can say they work with their family and get on so well! We are very lucky.
It’s great to hear that you are such a tight-knit family and team, I’m sure your dad would be very proud. So what do you enjoy most about your role?
As Cabsurance is growing, we are hiring new employees and benefitting from our parent company Specialist Risk Group’s (SRG) platform function which includes claims, marketing, IT etc. I am hoping that the increase in resource will give me more opportunity to focus on doing what I enjoy the most – generating new business and speaking to our clients.
Thanks Gary. What was your first job and how has it led you to where you are today?
My first job was working for one of my dad’s friends at a company registrations business in the City where I worked for 6 months. Then I joined NIG where I spent a year and a half learning the basics of insurance before I started working at Emrose. As I said, I’ve now worked for the business for 40 years and I have learnt everything I know through experience.
Thinking back over the past 40 years, what is your proudest achievement in your career to date?
It would have to be watching Cabsurance grow. When my brothers and I were searching for the right owner to take Cabsurance to the next level, it was nice to be approached by a company like SRG – we felt very proud.
What are you most excited about for the future of Cabsurance, and in addition, SRG?
Growing! Being part of SRG is helping us achieve this, with everyone sharing the same goals and objectives. We know how important insurance is for the taxi industry and therefore it is vital that we offer the right products for them. There are some exciting projects in the pipeline.
We can’t wait to hear about them! Can you let us know if you’re currently observing any trends in the taxi insurance market?
The taxi insurance market has always been price driven, but it is even more so now because of what is going on in the world. However, I always tell clients, you get what you pay for and whilst going for the cheapest premium can be tempting, the service may come back to bite you when it comes to making a claim or getting in touch for advice. We’re proud to have a really high renewal rate as we really look after our clients!
Thanks Gary. What advice would you give someone looking to start their career in the insurance industry?
You can read as many books and take as many exams as you like, but in my opinion, experience is the most important thing of all. When you have the right mindset, you can learn so much which really helps with the day-to-day tasks.
That’s interesting, thank you. To finish off with some light-hearted questions, where is your dream holiday destination?
If I was wanting an active trip, it would be New York without a question of a doubt! I went with my family in 2018 and my son and I went back a year later because it is so amazing. For a chilled holiday probably Lake Garda – I love that you can travel everywhere by river boats.
Amazing choices! Who inspires you?
If I were to choose anyone it would be my dad, he was such a clever man.
Finally, how would your friends describe you?
I have run 3 London marathons so I think they would say I am very fit and sporty. Also they would say I am easy to get on with.
To get in touch with Gary or one of our other taxi insurance specialists, click here.